Table of contents
What is Invisalign?
Instead of fixed braces, Invisalign uses a series of clear aligner trays. These fit firmly over teeth and are custom-designed to apply pressure to the teeth in a way that gradually moves and straightens them. The process is gentle yet effective when properly used.
Invisalign can treat numerous orthodontic issues, including closing or minimizing gaps between teeth.
Why Do Some People Have Gaps Between Their Teeth?
Usually, as teeth erupt, they contact the teeth on either side, creating a seamless appearance. However, sometimes a gap remains between one or more teeth.
A gap between teeth is referred to as a diastema. It can often occur between the upper front teeth, but may also develop anywhere in the mouth.
Diastemas can develop in children and adults. A child’s diastema affecting primary teeth can close or reduce in size when their adult teeth come through.
Other reasons for a diastema can include:
- Smaller than average teeth for the size of the jawbone, which can often be hereditary.
- Thumb or finger sucking, or mouth breathing, has pulled the upper front teeth outward.
- A larger labial frenum causes a diastema between the upper front teeth. The labial frenum connects the upper lip to the gums.
- Gum disease that has caused bone loss around teeth, so teeth loosen and can pull apart from each other.
Is it Worth Closing Gaps Between Teeth?
It all depends on whether the gap is causing your problems or you dislike its appearance. Some people like having a diastema between their front teeth and view it as being part of their personality, and have no wish or need to close it.
Others may find that food often becomes stuck in a diastema, which can be annoying. Closing a gap can prevent it from acting like a food trap, which in turn can help protect oral health. Impacted food can increase the risk of gum disease and tooth decay.
They may feel self-conscious about the appearance of their diastema, so closing can help improve self-confidence.
Why Choose Invisalign to Close Gaps Between Teeth?
Invisalign treatment is discreet and effective, and is planned using 3D digital technology. As part of the treatment process, you will see how your teeth could look if you decide to use Invisalign, provided you follow the treatment plan exactly.
You will see if your diastema could be closed entirely or, if not, by how much it could be reduced. When a gap is larger than 6mm, it may not be possible to close it entirely. However, after completing treatment, you might be able to close it with porcelain veneers or crowns if desired.
Other benefits of choosing Invisalign can include:
- The cost of treatment will be based on the number of aligners needed, so if you only have small diastemas, treatment is very cost-effective.
- Invisalign will provide a predictable outcome, as treatment is digitally planned and you can view the results before you begin.
- Invisalign is minimally disruptive to everyday life, as you don’t need to change your diet or oral care routine since the aligners are fully removable.
How Long Will It Take to Close Diastemas with Invisalign?
Some small gaps can be closed quite quickly, while larger gaps will take longer. We can provide a precise timeline during your initial consultation.
The Treatment Process for Closing Diastemas with Invisalign
Treatment is extremely straightforward, and below is a brief overview of the process.
Step One: Consultation & Diagnostics
A consultation will determine if your teeth are healthy and strong enough for Invisalign, as they must be free from tooth decay, gum disease, and any other dental issues.
Diagnostics include a 3D scan of your teeth, and we may also take 2D digital dental X-rays and photos to plan your treatment. Treatment is planned using Invisalign’s proprietary software and produces virtual images showing how your diastema could reduce in size by the end of treatment.
If you approve your treatment plan, we can proceed with ordering your computer-generated Invisalign aligners.
Step Two: Invisalign Treatment
We will show you how to insert and remove the aligners and take care of them, and advise you on how frequently to change them for the next set in the series. To achieve optimal results, wear the aligners for at least 22 hours a day, but be sure to remove them for meals and oral hygiene.
Step Three: Regular Invisalign Checkups
You will need to return to NYC Dentistry Center for regular checkups so we can assess the progress of your teeth and provide additional aligners as needed. These checkups are quick and painless since there are no fixed braces to adjust or tighten.
After completing treatment, you will need to wear retainers to maintain your new smile. Invisalign produces its own retainers (Vivera), which are made from the same smooth material. Wearing retainers will be even more comfortable since your teeth are no longer moving.
NYC Dentistry Center6 E 45th St #801
New York, NY 10017
(45th St. btw 5th Ave / Madison Ave)
(212) 518-6096